As it celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding, Maryville University is also ready to “move forward.”

That is the guiding principle behind Maryville Forward, a new recognition group that emphasizes the importance of annual giving to the University at a significant level.

“Maryville Forward is a movement,” said President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “It represents the forward-thinking philosophy that led Maryville to become a pioneer in higher education and a dynamic national university providing access and opportunity for tens of thousands of students.”

Previously, community members who made gifts of $1,000 or more in a single fiscal year were recognized as members of The Philippine Duchesne Society, honoring the University’s spiritual foundress. Inclusion in the Duchesne Society included gifts to any academic program, scholarship or other types of funds.

“We are grateful for Duchesne Society members who guided us along the path we are on today,” said Vice President for Community and Government Relations Laraine Davis. “As we look toward the next 150 years, we see the need to evolve our practices to meet the financial demands of a growing, cutting-edge University.”

The Maryville Fund provides this type of flexibility. Annual gifts to the Maryville Fund enable the University to prioritize the needs of students, support key programs and explore new opportunities in the most impactful way while also meeting unexpected challenges.

“Maryville University is thriving while operating in the ‘new normal’ and providing the most access and opportunity for our students,” Davis said. “Maryville Forward ensures that we continue to manage unexpected costs while we take advantage of the latest innovation and technology. Meeting the ever-changing needs of our students is critical to their success, and that of the University. We anticipate unprecedented growth in the next decades, and the support we receive via Maryville Forward provides the resources to succeed beyond what we can even imagine.”

As Maryville Forward takes hold, current members of The Philippine Duchesne Society will become part of a permanent legacy group honoring their substantial contributions: The Order of Philippine Duchesne.

“We have come so far alongside our loyal donors, and we hope they and others will join us in continuing to make a difference,” Davis said. “Every gift to the Maryville Fund takes us a step further into the future. We’re moving Maryville Forward, together!”